A CPPCC research group focusing on the protection of underwater cultural heritage arrived in Pingtan, an island county in east China's Fujian province, on Oct 24, to carry out an inspection, according to the county's official website.

The delegation was led by Liu Xiaofeng, vice chairman of the CPPCC and executive vice chairman of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party. Chen Xiangxian, vice chairman of the Fujian Provincial CPPCC, and other officials from Pingtan, accompanied the research group.

The group visited some of Pingtan's natural resources and key construction projects. Liu noted that Pingtan is preserving precious submarine cultural heritages such as the "Bowl Reef" or Wan Jiao. He urged the county to implement a program for the protection of its underwater heritage, including setting up professional teams, and encouraging local residents to take part in the initiatives.

Gong Qinggai, director of the county's management committee, discussed Pingtan's work on opening up to Taiwan, saying that, as the closest spot to the Taiwan main island, Pingtan feels it has a responsibility to protect the precious underwater cultural heritage. He also said that the two sides have launched two marine routes – Pingtan to Taipei and Pingtan to Taichung – which has helped to further improve relations.

The visiting delegation praised Pingtan's natural ecological environment as they visited Tannan Bay and Haiyu Square (or Sea Fishing Square), and they also praised the county's eco-friendly concept of low-carbon development.

Edited byNiva Whyman